Michigan State Police To Increase Patrols Over Holiday Weekend

Beginning Wednesday, troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement focusing on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding.

Michigan State Police (MSP) is gearing up for the annual Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) traffic safety initiative Nov. 25-29, 2015, according to a press release.

Thanksgiving is the second deadliest holiday in Michigan for traffic crashes.  In 2014, there were six traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday, which was a significant decrease from 12 deaths that occurred during the 2013 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Last year recorded the lowest number of fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday period in more than 40 years.

Our goal is to prevent traffic crashes and fatalities so every family can have a safe holiday – or as we like to say, so everyone can live to eat the leftovers. Make sure your Thanksgiving to-do list includes wearing a seat belt, designating a sober driver and avoiding distractions like talking on your phone while driving.”

-Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP

Beginning Wednesday, troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement focusing on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding.  Extra patrols are paid for with federal traffic safety funds coordinated by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.